Ford Racing Event in Florida

Live in Florida? Like NASCAR? Meet drivers? Drive new cars?

FORD CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK KICKS OFF THIS SUNDAY WITH LOTS OF EVENTS FOR EVERYONE – COME-ON-DOWN

By Marty Bernstein

Race fans in South Florida will have a number of opportunities to participate in racing-related activities leading up to Ford Championship Weekend – at Homestead-Miami Speedway and away from the track – beginning with the Ford Championship Weekend Kickoff Party at Conine’s Clubhouse Grille in Hollywood, Fla., from 1-8 p.m. on Sunday, November 12.

NASCAR Nextel Cup fans can gather to watch the Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Pennzoil at Phoenix International Raceway, along with NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series drivers Rick Crawford and Michel Jourdain Jr. Jeff Conine will also be on hand for the party. After the race, fans will be treated to an exclusive, closed-circuit feed of all the post-race press conferences.

Before, during and after the race, fans will be able to take part in a number of interactive activities, get a picture taken with Ford Racing show cars, get up close to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup trophy, and participate in games for prizes, giveaways and more. Conine’s Clubhouse Grille is located at 5181 Sheridan Street in Hollywood.

Other Ford Racing events leading up to the season-ending NASCAR Craftsman Truck, Busch and Nextel Cup series races at Homestead-Miami Speedway include:

Ford Racing Drive Zone (at Homestead-Miami Speedway, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.,Wednesday, Nov. 15). Vehicle enthusiasts in South Florida will have the opportunity to test-drive the all-new 2007 Ford Edge – before the highly-acclaimed CUV reaches showrooms later this year – and a number of other cars and trucks in Ford’s 2006 and 2007 product lineup on specially constructed courses, during the Ford Racing Drive Zone at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Additionally, Ford Racing drivers David Gilliland, Michel Jourdain, Jr., David Ragan and Danny O’Quinn are scheduled to appear.

RaceFest (at Los Olas Riverfront in Fort Lauderdale, 12-10 p.m., Thursday,Nov.16). Race fans will have the opportunity to meet some of NASCAR’s biggest stars at the fifth annual Ford Racefest. This free-to-the-public event, presented by Ford and Homestead-Miami Speedway, will feature NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver autograph sessions, a live performance by nationally renowned recording artist Foghat, the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series trophy on display, NASCAR show cars, interactive racing displays, Official NASCAR souvenirs, Miami Dolphin Cheerleaders and Florida Marlin Mermaids autograph sessions and performances. Ford NASCAR drivers scheduled to appear include: Matt Kenseth, Mark Martin, Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle, Ken Schrader, Jamie McMurray, David Gilliland and Michel Jourdain, Jr.

For more details regarding any of these events, call 877 TFR Club or visit fordracingevents.com.